Nepal, Jan. 12 -- Gen Z activists keep getting put on the spot. Following the success of the movement they spearheaded in early September, there is pressure on them to join politics, contest elections and take their activism to parliament. It is easy to shout from the street, they keep hearing, their real test will begin when they enter national politics.

At the same time, another vocal set of supporters and well-wishers advise these young folks to give continuity to their street activism and keep holding the power to account. If they jump into politics right away, they too could soon turn into the corrupt politicians they earlier decried.

These contradictions were at full display during a recent Gen Z talk show hosted by a group of you...